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Water Damage: What Should You Do Until Help Arrives?
3/19/2018 (Permalink)
What you can do until help arrives
Water in unwanted places can easily cause a lot of damage. Not only can it ruin your belongings and mementos, but also damage the house in which they are kept. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. The professionals at SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We'll closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.
As with any emergency, the most important thing is safety. When it comes to water damage, it is important to consider the following:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
- Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
Water damage can be extremely stressful, so it is always important to keep a level head. The last thing you'll want to do is put yourself into harm's way!
What To Do After Flooding
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Gather loose items from floors.
What NOT To Do After Flooding
- Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Don't use television or other household appliances.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.